‘I’m very lucky’ – New Zealand’s PM celebrates birth of daughter

Jacinda Ardern, the New Zealand prime minister, has given birth to a girl. Her first child was born weighing 7lb 3oz at Auckland City Hospital yesterday.

The 37-year-old has become only the second elected world leader to give birth while in office.

“I’m sure we’re going through all of the emotions new parents go through, but at the same time feeling so grateful for all the kindness and best wishes from so many people. Thank you,” Ms Ardern said in a statement.

She added that both mother and daughter are doing well, as she praised medical staff.

Posting a picture on Instagram with her partner Clarke Gayford (40) and their new baby in hospital, Ms Ardern said she was “feeling very lucky”.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has now taken over as acting prime minister. However, Ms Ardern said she would remain in charge by continuing to read cabinet papers during her time away from office.

The leader plans to take six weeks of maternity leave before returning to work.

Dedication

Such is her dedication to work that Mr Gayford, a television presenter, posted a picture on Twitter of Ms Ardern continuing to read official papers in the hours before she gave birth.

Ms Ardern, who was elected in October, revealed in January that she and Mr Gayford were expecting their first child.

The first world leader to give birth while in office in modern times was Benazir Bhutto, the late former prime minister of Pakistan, in January 1990.